描述 (miáoshù)

描述 means to describe or depict, referring to the act of using words to portray or explain something in detail so others can understand or visualize it.

Meanings

[verb] to describe; to depict; to portray
[noun] a description; a depiction; an account

Example Sentences

请描述一下你看到的情况。 Qǐng miáoshù yīxià nǐ kàndào de qíngkuàng. Please describe what you saw.

他生动地描述了旅行中的经历。 Tā shēngdòng de miáoshùle lǚxíng zhōng de jīnglì. He vividly described the experiences from his trip.

这篇文章对城市的变化有详细的描述。 Zhè piān wénzhāng duì chéngshì de biànhuà yǒu xiángxì de miáoshù. This article has a detailed description of the city's changes.

很难用语言描述那种感受。 Hěn nán yòng yǔyán miáoshù nà zhǒng gǎnshòu. It is difficult to describe that feeling in words.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
详细描述	detailed description
生动描述	vivid description
准确描述	accurate description
描述情况	to describe the situation

Usage Notes

描述 is used when someone gives a verbal or written account of something. It is slightly more detailed and precise than 说 (to say) or 讲 (to talk about). It often implies effort to be accurate and comprehensive. It is commonly used in writing, reporting, and storytelling.

Memory Hook

描 means "to trace/sketch" (like tracing an outline) and 述 means "to narrate/tell." So 描述 is to sketch something with words: tracing the outline of reality through language.